This boat is a'rockn!

It was one week ago I had my first cochlear implant surgery.  It has been a week of....,you know what you would call that place of fire and brimstone.  I woke up while I was still in the OR, jumping to my left side to heave and heave.  The vomiting/dry heaves continued because the vertigo would not stop.  I was supposed to go home.  How many times have I had patients myself with similar procedures that went home within the hour or two of getting to recovery?  Every time.  I ended up having to stay in the hospital.  My eyes would not focus or stay still.  The nystagmus was ongoing.  I couldn’t read, words or lips!  I couldn’t just look at anything.  I was literally bed bound, eyes closed.  Yes, the bedpans came out.  When I made it home, I just stayed in bed doing absolutely nothing but sleep and sit there.  On day 3 my ear started swelling up, weeping, getting really itchy with little hives around it and on it.  I was starting to fear to worse, that my body was rejecting the implant.   I was worried I was going to be dizzy for the rest of my life, I was worried that I was going to have to have another surgery to explant the device.  It was a relief when I finally made it to see Dr. Crawford.  Apparently I was allergic to an adhesive that they used during surgery, not the implant.  We were both relieved.  Dr Crawford said it will take a few months for my brain to adapt and stabilize.  Because of my “special” EVA, there was a transition in fluid when he put the electrodes in.  I am now currently dealing with vertigo, loss of sensation/taste on left side of my tongue, tinnitus (loud ringing in my ear), at times it keeps me awake at night.  I am still sleeping upright, and having pain from the implant itself which is mild compared to the vertigo.  I have 4 girls who need their mom and a life to live.  I have been blessed to have family and friends that I have stopped by with meals, help with baby Brynn, clean my house.  I could not have functioned this past week without all their help and thoughtfulness.  I would like to think the worst of it is over.  Sure it is going to be challenging for a while but..... I got this.   The boat may be rocking for a while, but...... we got this. 


Comments

Tammy Quinn said…
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I am sending out a payer that this is only temporary. You are such a brave women jumping into the unknown with so much responsibility on your shoulders. If anyone can conquer this speadbump it will be you. You are so blessed to have family and friends that are helping.
Deborah Ganrer said…
Jennilynn might not know this but I talk about her to my friends, and family. She is so amazing! I couldn't believe she could do the things she did before her implant! Now she is struggling but I know she will get through this because of her tenacity, persistence, and determination. We have all been praying and even though we want what we want, when we want it, God hears our prayers and He is blessing Jennilynn every day. I know she is fighting an uphill battle but the war is not over and she will hang in there until she can claim the victory. That is just who she is!
Ali Devey said…
Wow Jennilynn, I am so sorry that you have had a rough go of things. Your recovery sounds absolutely awful. I’m praying hard that the worst is over and it’s all incredible from this point forward! I can’t wait to hear how activation goes. I’m SO relieved to hear that the allergic reaction was not to the implant itself! Hang in there! You are incredible! I’m glad you have a good support system there. Happy Easter!